Update on Ss Peter and Paul College in Michigan...

The Saints Peter and Paul Educational Foundation, which is working to found a Catholic college here in southeast Michigan, has the following announcement...

In the Fall of 2009 we will open our doors as the Saints Peter and Paul College Preparatory Year, offering a year of study which will serve two purposes: first, to complete the student’s studies on the high school level with a challenging, devoutly Catholic approach to coursework. Second,students will have the opportunity to sample college-level coursework in a supportive and personally attentive setting with the possibility of gaining elective college credits for the year.... read more

Go to the Ss Peter and Paul Educational Foundation homepage for more info

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton Bishops asks Catholic colleges to provide info on student health services

Bishop Joseph Martino continues to work hard at eliminating practices at Catholic institutions and events that would lead others into scandal.

We can only pray that more bishops will follow his lead. He is certainly tuned in to the kinds of things Catholics are pulling at Catholic insitutions and events, and calling people out on it.

Bishop Martino was prompted by this article in the March 25, 2009 issue of the Hawk (St. Joseph's of Philadelphia) with the title and subtitle, as follow:

Health Center provides health services while honoring Jesuit principles

Policy encourages abstinence, provides STD screenings and sexual education
presentations

This is the same college that is having pro-abort journalist, Chris Matthews of MSNBC speak at commencements. (n.b., I'm going to call it....this will be an interesting one to watch given Bishop Martino's diligence in these matters).

The March 25 article led o this press release:

Bishops Seek Information on Student Health Services at Catholic Institutions of Higher Learning


Bishop Joseph F. Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty have asked the four Catholic institutions of higher learning in the Diocese of Scranton to provide information on their student health services to have assurance that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching.

The bishops made the request in an April 1 letter to Holy Cross Father Thomas J. O’Hara, president of King’s College in Wilkes-Barre; Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Anne Munley, president of Marywood University in Scranton; Michael A. MacDowell, president of Misericordia University in Dallas; and Jesuit Father Scott R. Pilarz, president of The University of Scranton.

In their letter, the bishops explain that their inquiry is prompted by a March 25 article in the student newspaper at St. Joseph University in Philadelphia. The article describes how the university, in its words, finds the “middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare.”

In that article, St. Joseph’s director of student health services says that the school’s location offers enough convenience and opportunity to encourage students to purchase condoms. She describes this as a “fortunate” situation for the students. She also discusses the use of oral contraceptives.

The Catholic Church teaches that artificial contraception is not permissible.

The St. Joseph’s director states, “It’s always a fine line between staying within the values of the University, which we completely respect, and offering services to the students. We are fortunate that there are other medical centers in the area, and that there are health care providers other than us.”

Bishop Martino and Bishop Dougherty said this position indicates little respect for Catholic moral teaching. Their letter to the four area college and university presidents states:

“Will you please send to us any documents available which will indicate policies, procedures or practices authorized by (the institution) for the provision of student health services. In addition, it is especially important that the Diocese have assurance from you that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching.

“We ask this accounting in accord with the norm of canon 810 §2, C.I.C. The canon notes the duty and right of concerned diocesan bishops to be vigilant that the principles of Catholic doctrines are faithfully observed in Catholic institutions of higher learning.”

The bishops extended gratitude to the presidents “In anticipation of your response as early as possible.”

Source: Diocese of Scranton press release - April 3, 2009

The four schools responded in a joint statement as Kathleen Gilbert at LSN reports:

Scranton Colleges Deny Distributing Contraceptives in Response to Bishops' Inquiry

By Kathleen Gilbert

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Four Scranton-area Catholic colleges have told Bishop Joseph F. Martino and Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty that their campuses do not provide contraception, after the bishops had asked the schools to provide information on their student health services to assure that they do not practice anything in violation of Catholic teaching.

A letter dated yesterday and signed by the schools' four presidents - King's College president Fr. Thomas J. O'Hara; Marywood University president Sr. Anne Munley; Misericordia president Michael A. MacDowell; and University of Scranton president Scott R. Pilarz - told the bishops that they had "independently reviewed the concerns" aired by the bishops and that "condoms are not available on our campuses and our student health services and centers do not provide oral and other forms of contraceptives."

"We are, therefore, confident in assuring you that our health centers practice in ways that respect and do not violate Catholic teaching," states the letter.

The bishops had issued the request for student health services information in an April 1 letter, requesting "any documents available which will indicate policies, procedures or practices authorized by (the institution) for the provision of student health services," as well as "assurance from you that no practice is occurring which would be in violation of Catholic teaching."

The bishops explained that the inquiry was prompted by a March 25 article in Hawk, the student newspaper of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. The article describes how the university finds the "middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare."

"We're very fortunate that we're not in a very rural pocket, we're right here on City Avenue," director of student health Laura Hirst told the newspaper. "Students can just walk to Rite Aid to get condoms, so they are easily accessible if they need them."

Said Hirst: "It's always a fine line between staying within the values of the University, which we completely respect, and offering services to the students. We are fortunate that there are other medical centers in the area, and that there are health care providers other than us."

While the University has a policy against sexual activity, the Hawk article says the school's Student Health Center provides STD screenings and prescribes oral contraceptives for "medical necessities," citing debilitating menstrual cramps as an example.

Bishop Martino and Bishop Dougherty said the idea that "middle ground" must be sought between Church teaching and health services indicates little respect for Catholic moral teaching.

Bishop Martino has drawn attention in recent months for firmly enjoining Misericordia University to provide an account of their fidelity to Catholic moral teaching on sexuality, after the school invited a homosexualist speaker earlier this year

UPDATE: Scripture tells us that you will know the Spirit has come to rest on you when you are persecuted.

Well, the Holy Spirit has indeed, come to rest on Bishop Martino.

If you are on Facebook, be sure to join the "I support Bishop Martino" group. There are 365 members thus far vs. some 700 who oppose him. I think the link is good, but if not, just do a search on I support Bishop Martino and you will find it. I did!

Readers of this post may also be interested in my coverage of Bishop Morlino in Madison, WI, as well

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Archbishop Chaput encourages people to write to Notre Dame president over Obama commencement invitation

EDIT MARCH 24, 2009 AT 10:25PM:

Thanks to the Catholic News Agency, I am correcting this post to clarify what I have posted below for the benefit of those reaching this through other bloggers.

I got the information second-hand. In fact, it could be classified as "third-hand" for that matter. I am going to refer to you the account provided by the Catholic News Agency which obtained it's info from a recording at the event. Let this account of Archbishop Chaput's words, and the context in which it was said, stand.

CNA was able to acquire an audio recording of the event in question and found that rather than calling for a letter writing campaign, the archbishop suggested it as a response to the situation.

Responding to a question about how “faithful Catholics should respond to [general] situations like [Notre Dame’s invitation to Obama], Chaput suggested, “Protest, write letters, express your concern, do it charitably.” He further reminded the audience that “Jesus said we need to be like sheep among wolves” and to “act like Christians when we disagree: to be bold, courageous, and clear, but charitable.”

---

Folks, hang on.....this is going to be one interesting ride.

Notre Dame, which has historically invited US Presidents to give commencement speeches and to give them honorary degrees, has done so with President Obama. Apparently, that invitation was accepted. I blogged on this yesterday and provided some links.

I was alerted to Tom Peter's post on Twitter, that Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, who was in Detroit today for a seminar on St. Paul at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, encouraged people to write to Notre Dame President, John Jenkins, SJ. Tom writes:

I just heard that Archbishop Chaput, who is at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in
Detroit for their St. Paul conference, has encouraged people to write charitably to the President of ND to protest the Obama invite.

Tom has a lot more background in this post made yesterday. The combox there is quite active, as well with 104 comments as of this posting.

There are a few ways to reach the President of Notre Dame - see this page.

I would go a step further. I think letters should also go to Bishop John D'Arcy of Fort Wayne - South Bend, Indiana, and to the Papal Nuncio, Pietro Sambi.



Bishop John M. D'Arcy
Fort Wayne Chancery
1103 S. Calhoun Street
P.O. Box 390
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801
(260) 422-4611


Nunciature to United States of America
Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio
Mailing Address: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W,
Washington, DC, USA
Telephone: (202) 333-7121
Fax: 337-4036


Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Outrageous: Notre Dame University to honor President Obama

Ok - so a university has President Obama in the queue for the commencement speech.

There is only one problem: It is Notre Dame - a Catholic institution and Obama has gone out of his way to advance a culture of death agenda which is contrary to the Mission of the Church. Just having this President at any official function at a Catholic institution is completely scandalous (meaning, it leads others into error).

See the scoop at LSN: Catholic Notre Dame University to Give Obama Honorary Degree on May 17, Against USCCB Policy

You can make your voice heard on this matter. Find out more at NotreDameScandal.com. Also worth reading is the combox in this post at Fr. Z's blog. EDIT 21-Mr-09: Tom Peters has good coverage as well at American Papist.

We can only hope that Bishop D'Arcy follows Bishop Martino's lead in handling a similar problem at Misericordia, which is ongoing, starting with a statement of "absolute disapproval". It doesn't matter if he is the President of the United States or not.

If you still don't see the problem, this may help you. This is just a sampling. It's like he is going out of his way to select pro-abortion Catholics and other Catholics who have advanced things contrary to Catholic teaching.

• Obama appointed the most aggressive pro-abort Catholic politician, Kathleen Sebelius (who has collected funds from George Tiller - the infamous late-term abortionist in Kansas. )
• Obama Picks Defenders of Child Porn., Euthanasia & Abortion for Justice Dept.
• More on Obama's pics for Justice Dept
• Pro-Life Leaders Respond to Obama's Plan to Revoke Conscience Regulations
• Pro-Abortion Judge Named Obama's First Fed. Court Pick
• Obama Selects Yet another Pro-Abortion "Catholic" for Leading Office
• Obama Revokes Abortion Funding Policy, Will Fund Overseas Abortions with Taxpayer Money
• Vatican Denounces Obama Administration's Decision to Fund Pro-Abortion Groups
• Obama Unleashes Taxpayer Funds for Embryo-Destructive Research

Queen of Apostles, hear the voice of your faithful children and intercede for us!

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Martino to Misericordia: No Meeting Until his Request for Specific Info is Fulfilled

I have GOT to send this bishop a Mass Card with a thank you note. Perhaps you might follow my lead.

I suspected we would hear from His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton today because it coincides with the release of the diocesan newspaper which happens around every three weeks on a Wednesday/Thursday afternoon.

In this latest press release, Bishop Martino has responded to a March 3rd statement found on the website of Misericordia Univeristy in which they said, in part [my comments bracketed in red]:

Misericordia University is working diligently to schedule a meeting with the Bishop and his delegates so dialogue can be established among representatives of our founders and sponsors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and the Diocese. [Makes you wonder if a few sponsors were getting uncomfortable with the negative publicity. One parent interviewed locally said she had no idea such things were happening at the local Catholic university and was glad the bishop had brought it out in the open]

Misericordia University respects the Bishop’s position. [note the lack of a "but" here versus previous statements found in the paper which escalated the matter]. The University looks forward to resolving these concerns directly with Bishop Martino. [and if they want to resolve it they should start by respecting the office he holds and give him that for which he is asking]

Here is that statement in full [emphases mine in bold in the first portion - the rest is background info]:

Bishop Announces Position on Meeting with Misericordia University

Bishop Joseph F. Martino announced today that he will not meet with officials from Misericordia University until they comply with his request for a public release of specific information on how the institution teaches Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality, and how it is adhering to the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning.

The Bishop, in two previous statements, has asked that this information be provided to Misericordia’s alumni and the public. He has requested that the school speak precisely, naming courses, content and even catalog numbers.

The university has thus far refused to do so, instead requesting a private meeting with the Bishop.

However, the scandal that led to the Bishop’s request was a public matter. Therefore, no meeting will be held unless Misericordia complies with the request for a public release of information.

The issue arose when Misericordia’s Diversity Institute hosted two public presentations by Keith Boykin. In at least one of his talks, he discussed advocacy for issues such as same sex marriage, and he addressed the intersection of religion and sexuality. The Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexual behavior was not presented at the event.

Bishop Martino stated his “absolute disapproval” of these events because the university was providing a public platform for a proponent of morality that is “disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching.” The Bishop subsequently called on Misericordia to seriously consider dissolving the Diversity Institute.

Since Misericordia has asserted that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” Bishop Martino said it is puzzling that the school would not want to assure the public that it is teaching Catholic morality and adhering to the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. As stated in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities, these are:

1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community
as such;

2. A continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing
treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own
research;

3. Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church;

4. An institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the
human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning
to life.

Bishop Martino believes the kind of information he is seeking should be easy to compile and readily available.

Bishop Martino also explained his obligation to address these matters. A local bishop does not merely have a “personal position” (i.e., one which is no more valid than anyone else’s position) about the “Catholic identity” of a local Catholic college. Under the Church’s Code of Canon Law, the Bishop has a “responsibility” to evaluate and judge how all Catholic institutions in his diocese are upholding the principles of authentic Catholic identity.

In particular, it is his responsibility to ensure that institutions of higher learning which desire to call themselves Catholic are zealous in teaching Catholic faith and morals.


Source at Diocese of Scranton

EDIT 3-19-2009: The Times-Leader in Scranton has releaed an article. The comments flowing in from ordinary people reveal the kind of persecution this shepherd is getting for doing his job. Do visit the Times-Leader and add your thoughts. Up until now, people are hearing only one side of the comment-sphere.

Here is the Citizen's Voice with a brief note, and many negative comments about Bishop Martino if you would like to chime in.

Past Coverage of Bishop Martino's actions in Scranton on Te Deum:

• Bishop Martino breaks media silence...
• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Scranton's Bishop Martino Speaks Out on Misericordia University - Again!

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so. - Bishop Joseph Martino, March 3, 2009

[UPDATED AT 9:34PM, March 4, with statement from Misericordia University, found below the bishop's statement]





The chief shepherd of the Scranton Diocese, Bishop Joseph Martino, has again fired a shot across the bow of Misericordia University where a gay marriage activist, Keith Boykin, spoke at the invitation of the school's "Diversity Institute".

It's interesting to review the actual press release, uploaded sometime late yesterday, and what the secular press is sharing with it's readers. I'll highlight an example below Bishop Martino's statement.

As always: Empahses in bold mine; comments bracketed in red, I call extra attention to one paragraph in blue.

Bishop Issues Reflection on Teaching of Diversity and Tolerance


Bishop Joseph F. Martino has issued a reflection on how the teaching of diversity and tolerance relates to the teaching of the Catholic Church. The reflection follows:

A substantial amount of media coverage and public commentary ensued after I asked Misericordia University to seriously consider discontinuing its Diversity Institute. Students and others in the community related how this Institute has furthered the advancement of tolerance, understanding and harmony between people of different races and cultures.

These are all worthy goals. All people of good will should work toward these ends.

Misericordia University, as a Catholic institution, has a responsibility for helping the community achieve these goals. However, precisely because it is a Catholic institution, it also has a responsibility to transmit Catholic teaching to its students in ways that are not ambiguous or confusing.

As I said in my previous statement, students should learn respect for all races and cultures, but viewpoints that are in direct opposition to Catholic teaching should not be presented under the guise of “diversity.” [great way to explain it]. Doing so within a formal structure sanctioned by the institution gives the impression that these viewpoints are acceptable, or that all morality is relative. [Bingo! And, it is scandal when otherwise ignorant or uncatechized people accept it as good and true since it is coming from an institute of higher learning with the name "Catholic" attached to it!]

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Their views are certainly “diverse,” but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance? Or should they be allowed to make a presentation without any retort from the Catholic perspective?

As Catholics, we believe there is an objective, moral Truth – given to us by Jesus Christ. This Truth is timeless, and it cannot be altered by the shifting tides of popular culture [Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever]. If our faith and our actions are not rooted in this Truth, we risk contributing to the “dictatorship of relativism” cited by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in a homily given just prior to his election as Pope Benedict XVI. He said:

“To have a clear faith, according to the creed of the Church, is often labeled as fundamentalism. While relativism, that is, allowing oneself to be carried about with every wind of ‘doctrine,’ seems to be the attitude that is fashionable. A dictatorship of relativism is being constituted that recognizes nothing as absolute and which only leaves the ‘I’ and its whims as the ultimate measure.”

As the Bishop, it is not only my right, but my obligation to ensure that authentic Catholic teaching is being provided in all Catholic institutions in this Diocese, and that viewpoints in opposition to this teaching are not being presented as acceptable alternatives.

I voiced my “absolute disapproval” of Misericordia’s hosting of Keith Boykin not because of his sexual orientation, but because he is a well known proponent of morality that is disturbingly opposed to Catholic teaching, such as homosexual relations and same sex marriage. Furthermore, no presentation was made to balance Mr. Boykin’s viewpoints with the teaching of the Catholic Church.

That is why I asked Misericordia, which asserted that it “is committed deeply to its Catholic mission,” to convey how it teaches Catholic morality regarding sexuality and homosexuality, and to produce concrete evidence. It is regrettable that the University chose to respond with a brief statement without any such evidence.

Nevertheless, I continue to urge Misericordia University to fulfill the four essential characteristics of a Catholic institution of higher learning. As I pointed out in briefer form in my initial statement on this matter, these are:

1. A Christian inspiration not only of individuals but of the university community as such;

2. A continuing reflection in the light of the Catholic faith upon the growing treasury of human knowledge, to which it seeks to contribute by its own research;

3. Fidelity to the Christian message as it comes to us through the Church;

4. An institutional commitment to the service of the people of God and of the human family in their pilgrimage to the transcendent goal which gives meaning to life.

(Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution on Catholic
Universities)

I also offer this postscript to those who criticize me for taking public stances that may not be popular or “politically correct,” or may not agree with their own personal notions of what “progressive” Catholic doctrine should be. My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church to all the faithful. I will continue to do so.

Ok, now re-highlighting that paragraph in blue, that was so compelling and clear, lets pull it out again so we can compare it to an article that appeared in the Northern, Pennsylvania Times-Leader today. Here is Bishop Martino again...

As Catholics, we must distinguish between authentic tolerance and an “anything goes” mindset. For example, would the Diversity Institute be justified in hosting a speaker who believes the Holocaust is a myth? Or one who believes slavery is okay because certain people are inferior? Or one who believes women can be exploited because they are the “weaker sex”? There are people out there who actually believe this nonsense, and they would be perfectly willing to come to the campus to tell you why.

Ok, now what did the Times-Leader convey to people? (don't blink)

Martino offered hypothetical situations in which the institute brings in speakers who say the Holocaust is myth or slavery is OK, then asked, “Their views are certainly ‘diverse,’ but does that qualify them to be given a platform in the name of tolerance?

Yeah, thanks. That really explains it. Sorry if I don't see the same impact. Hopefully, those in the area will consult the diocesan website for the bishop's full statement.

MISERICORDIA RESPONDS:

Misericordia University statement
03-3-09

Misericordia University releases the following statement in response to Bishop Martino's comments on Tuesday, March 3:

Misericordia University is working diligently to schedule a meeting with the Bishop and his delegates so dialogue can be established among representatives of our founders and sponsors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees and the Diocese. [wouldn't you love to be a fly on that wall. Hey - I could handle being a dust mite for a few hours]

Misericordia University respects the Bishop’s position. [Notice the lack of a "but" here. It ends with a period]. The University looks forward to resolving these concerns directly with Bishop Martino. [In other words, they have learned reasonably well that it is not a good idea to answer him through a local newspaper]

[Here comes the damage control] Founded and Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1924, Misericordia University is Luzerne County’s first four-year college and offers 31 academic majors on the graduate and undergraduate levels in full and part-time formats.

In all seriousness, pray for the archbishop in his efforts to correct the situation there. Let's hope other bishops follow his lead. If the head honchos at Misericordia have an ounce of smarts, they will tell the press, "no comment" and take it offline with him.

Links and related posts (watch for additional links with more coverage)

• Stupid MSNBC interview about Bishop Martino vs. Misericordia University
• Official Press Release at Diocese of Scranton
• Fr. Z blogs Martino and Misericordia U (see his comments and the ever-active combox): Bp. Martino: “My job as a Bishop is to promulgate the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church”
• Bishop Martino renews critique of Misericordia's Diversity Institute (Catholic Culture)

Previous Posts on Bishop Martino:

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• Bishop Martino of Scranton and the Media
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Video: Newsclip about Bishop Martino and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
• Bishop Martino threatens to close Scranton's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day...
• Why did Bishop Martino Voice Disapproval of Talk by Keith Boykin?
• Despite Bishop Martino's Protest, Gay-Right's Speech Takes Place at Misericordia
• It's Bishop Martino....again, this time taking on Misericordia University for inviting gay-rights advocate
• Bishop Martino to Sen. Robert Casey on Formally Cooperating with Evil
• Bishop of Scranton Martino refuses communion for politicians who campaign in favor of abortion rights
• Bishop Martino of Scranton, PA: "This is madness, people!"
• Bishop Martino on the "collective reticence" of his confreres for not being more vocal about pro-abortion Catholic politicians. (from the USCCB General Asm)
  
  

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

The USCCB's Perfect Storm: So-called Catholic politicians, educators, and journalists

If you were out in boat as three storms were about to converge over you, would you not drop to your knees and pray?

There are many attacks on the Catholic Church today. Groups of so-called Catholics are working in concert to generate a perfect storm for our bishops.

The consciences of these so-called Catholics are either uninformed or malformed, or their intellect has been clouded through their own sinful desires and actions.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But, this group would have us believe that Jesus is ever changing with the world over time. They advance "all sorts of strange teachings" (Heb 13:9) working to convince us that truth is something which can be designed by our own desires. They are undermining our bishops, feeding the media "doctrines" that are completely foreign to clear and consistent teachings. They take what is simple and make it complex so as to confuse the flock.

It amounts to "designer-morality" yet these people do not realize that the Church is not like Burger King where you get to "have it your way". They hold virtue as a vice, and value the ways of the world. Being politically correct is of great importance, even if it means being morally incorrect.

Is it any wonder why certain segments of the Church have been indifferent or even hostile toward's the Blessed Virgin Mary? She was a model of humility and obedience. Christ was obedient unto death, death on a cross? Perhaps that is why some so-called Catholics have made every effort to eliminate the cross not only from our parishes, but from or consciences.

The bishops have their work cut out for them. Pray for them. Pray that they:

"...proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. " (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

Do we need any further evidence that the time is here?

• Maddening: 26 prominent Catholics back Sebelius pick

MORE EXAMPLES

So-called Catholic Politicians:

• Sebelius Nomination a Test for New Progressive Catholic Groups (US News & World Report)
• Catholic governor criticized by archbishop nominated as HHS secretary (CNS)
• Kathleen Sebelius Explains Being a Pro-Choice Pro-Lifer (US News & World Report)
• BREAKING: Bishop Martino sends second letter to Sen Bob Casey; Issues Official Notice on Worthy Reception of Holy Communion
• Granholm's Stem-cell "Shock" (National Catholic Register)
• Pelosi on Kids: They're an economic drain (Catholic League)

So-called Catholic Educators

• Scranton Shepherd, Bishop Martino, calls for dissolution of Misericordia's "Diversity Institute"
• As Lent Begins, 3 Prominent Catholic Universities Celebrate Porn, Promiscuity (LifeSiteNews)
• Bishop Demands Evidence of University’s Fidelity to Catholic Teaching (Cardinal Newman Society)
• UPDATE: Catholic Cabrini College Gives Award to Catholic Bashing Media Personality (Cardinal Newman Society)
• A talk with The Rev. Richard P. McBrien (Boston Globe)
• Fr. Z analyzes theologians criticism of EWTN in What some Catholic Colleges have in their theology departments

So-called Catholic Journalists

• Canonist Ed Peters analyzes "I am a pro-choice Catholic" in the National Catholic Reporter in a blogpost entitled, Young Voices, old canards, and Canon 1369
• See my An Open Letter to US Catholic Bishops regarding National Catholic Reporter's Article: I am a Pro-Choice Catholic
• Our journey to a same-sex holy union (Kate Childs Graham, National Catholic Reporter)
• Female power and the power of God (National Catholic Reporter - Young Voices)
• I'll be voting for the Democrat -- and the bishops be damned (Joe Feuerherd - NCReporter)
• The 2008 Presidential Election (Richard McBrien)

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Petition drive to support USD for bouncing Rosemary Radford Reuther

There is an interesting development out at the University of San Diego (USD), a Catholic insititution of higher learning. It concerns Rosemary Radford Ruether - a 71 year old feminist who is often labeled a "Catholic theologian", even though she is misaligned with Catholicism. She supports abortion, contraception, homosexuality, population control, and other things in conflict with truth. You can see just how misaligned (and misguided) Ruether's positions are in this document at EWTN.

She had been invited to hold the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology at the University of San Diego for the academic year 2009-2010, but the appointment was withdrawn because she sits on the board of Catholics for a Free Choice - an organization the US Bishops say is not Catholic, and has been at odds with many times.

After it was learned that the appointment was withdrawn, supporters of Ruether, many from Call to Action, another well known anti-Catholic group claiming to be Catholic, signed a petition to get her back. About 2000 people signed, including 50 teachers (please look into truly Catholic universities for your kids).

In response to that, another petition drive has started, to collect at least 4000 signatures in support of the University. I have signed it, and I urge you to sign it. Follow the instructions there:

Support the University of San Diego’s Stance Against Rosemary Radford Ruether

If you need more convincing to sign that petition, here is just one ridiculous quote from Ruether in 1998, in an article by Lee Pen which discusses others who advocate population control.

Ruether told those who attended a May 1998 conference that "We need to seek the most compassionate way of weeding out people."

" 'To allow unrestrained fertility is not pro-life' she said. "A good gardener weeds and thins his seedlings to allow the proper amount of room for the plants to grow properly. We need to seek the most compassionate way of weeding out people. Our current pro-life movement is really killing people through disease and poverty,' she said. In place of the pro-life movement we need to develop the 'spirituality of recycling,' proposed Ruether, 'a spirituality that includes ourselves in the renewal of earth and self. We need to compost ourselves'." (1136)

In Matthew 13:24-30...

Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants * of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?' 28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants * said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29 But he said, 'No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

On judgment day, it is God who will discern wheat from weed.

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

Bishop Bruskewitz - keynote speaker for March 16 banquet in Michigan

THE RENEWAL OF CATHOLIC HIGHER EDUCATION NEEDS YOU!

PLAN TO ATTEND THE BENEFIT BANQUET --Friday, MARCH 16TH!

Please--if you have not done so already please plan to attend the benefit banquet that will support the founding of The Collegeof SS Peter and Paul--to be located in Michigan! This is a new Catholic Liberal Arts college--totally faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. Colleges like this one will bring the light of Christ to this dark time! It will serve to renew Catholic higher education! Please help make this college a reality. The banquet is Friday, March 16th. The cost of the banquet is only $40.00 per person. Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz is the keynote speaker--truly one of the most outstanding bishops in the whole country! The banquet is at the lovely St. John's Center located at 5 Mile and Sheldon in Plymouth, MI. For $150 dollars a private reception is provided with the bishop. Please call 248 347-3649

COME --BE A PART OF THE NEW SPRINGTIME OF THE CHURCH - see the website

Click here for a PDF flyer of the event